Teenagers due to appear in court in connection with reported disorder in Bournemouth
Five teenagers are due to appear in court following a detailed investigation led by local officers into reported disorder on a beach in Bournemouth.
On the evening of Thursday 17 April 2025 officers responded to reports of disorder following a gathering of a large number of young people on Southbourne Beach.
It was alleged that a number of people present were assaulted and one of those involved in the violence was in possession of a hammer.
Officers attended on the night and ensured that the crowd dispersed and no further violence took place.
In the weeks and months following, the local neighbourhood policing team led the effort to carefully compile evidence including a detailed examination of CCTV to identity those reportedly involved in the violence that occurred.
Following extensive investigative work and liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service, a 17-year-old boy from Poole was charged with affray and possession of an offensive weapon while another 17-year-old Poole boy was charged with affray and possession of a class B drug.
An 18-year-old man from Poole was charged with affray while a 17-year-old boy from Poole and a 17-year-old boy from Bournemouth have also been issued with postal requisitions to appear at court for an offence of affray.
All five teenagers are due to appear at Poole Youth Court on Tuesday 3 March 2026.
Chief Inspector Nick Lee, of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole police, said: “We fully recognise the impact reports of public place violence of this nature have on innocent members of the public who are present.
“We have carried out a detailed investigation into the events at Southbourne Beach on the evening of Thursday 17 April 2025, which has resulted in five people facing charges at court.
“We will continue to investigate all reports of incidents such as this and explore all lines of enquiry available to ensure those believed to be involved are identified and held to account.
“We remain committed to working with our partners to ensure our beaches and public spaces can be enjoyed by all as we head into the warmer months and would urge parents and guardians to play their part and ensure they know where their children are.”